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Known as the Big Easy or Crescent City, some even refer to New Orleans as the northernmost Caribbean city...and with its European heritage and island-influenced food, dance and music, it's easy to see why.

Sitting astride the great Mississippi River, rising ever so slightly from the first high ground above its mouth, the city of
New Orleans commands the river-borne bounty of the vast North American interior.
Both the Indian traders who originally occupied the area and the European explorers who came later quickly recognized its obvious commercial and strategic value. The invention of the cotton gin, the arrival of the steamboat and the rapid expansion of the United States combined to place New Orleans at the center of a regional economic boom.

Sitting astride the great Mississippi River, rising ever so slightly from the first high ground above its mouth, the city of
New Orleans commands the river-borne bounty of the vast North American interior.
Both the Indian traders who originally occupied the area and the European explorers who came later quickly recognized its obvious commercial and strategic value. The invention of the cotton gin, the arrival of the steamboat and the rapid expansion of the United States combined to place New Orleans at the center of a regional economic boom.

Simply called “Playa” by the locals, this once sleepy fishing village and artists’ colony welcomes visitors with a gracious, laid-back charm. White-sand beaches and gentle waves appeal to sun worshippers looking for a blissful place to relax and soak in the atmosphere, while those wanting to explore the town will enjoy a stroll along Avenida Quinta, or “Fifth Avenue,” a two-mile pedestrian walkway lined with shops, bars and restaurants. When the sun sets, Avenida Quinta gets into full swing as a hot spot to mingle, dine and dance.

Just 11 miles off the eastern coast of Mexico lies Cozumel, the country's largest island and the gem of the Caribbean for water sports. Relax and bask in the sun on pristine palm-lined beaches or snorkel amid intricate coral formations at nearby Palancar Reef. On the island's west coast lies the bustling town of San Miguel, which boasts deluxe hotels, inviting shops and tempting restaurants.

Off the island of Cozumel is Playa del Carmen, your gateway to the Mayan mysteries of the intriguing Yucatán. Inland lies Cobá, a splendid reminder of a civilization that existed thousands of years ago. Closer at hand lies Tulum, a massive fortress built in 564 AD and the only Mayan site to overlook the Caribbean Sea.

Grand Cayman boasts endless beaches that are encircled by coral reefs teeming with an abundance of marine life. On shore, affluent colonial neighborhoods dominate the West Bay area, while the East End affords natural attractions such as spectacular blowholes and fragrant botanical gardens.
Its quaint capital, George Town, offers British charm and tempting duty-free bargains. Shopping highlights include black coral fashioned into exquisite jewelry, imported woolens, elegant china and gleaming silverware.
After shopping and sightseeing, enjoy relaxing on that magnificent crescent of sand, Seven Mile Beach.

Duty-free shopping, white-sand beaches, tumbling waterfalls, jungle-clad mountains-Ocho Rios is everything a Jamaican town should be. Main Street offers the pleasures of canvassing for bargains, warm waters await diving and snorkeling, bustling restaurants invite the hungry and the weary to sit a spell in shady comfort. It won't be long before you are calling Ocho Rios "Ochi," just as the locals and many returning visitors do.

The dramatic sandstone fortress of El Morro, begun by the Spanish in 1540, was built to guard the harbor against Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. Stroll the breezy boulevards of Old San Juan, lined with five centuries of palaces and great homes, as well as outdoor cafés where you can sample the island's famous coffee and seafood delicacies.

St. Barts forms part of the French Overseas Region of Guadeloupe. Descendants of settlers from Brittany and Normandy operate its tiny inns, shops and restaurants.
This charming, slow-paced island attracts tourists year-round to its shores. The graceful meadows surrounded by low stone fences, spectacular beaches, the small volcanic mountains and the quaint Creole-style villages are just several of the alluring aspects of this tranquil island.

Although discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, St. Kitts was settled by the British and the French more than a century later. Known as the Mother Colony of the West Indies, today the island is an independent nation.
British influences abound in Basse-Terre, the capital of St. Kitts. Featured here is the domed Treasury Building, now a national museum, the Circus, which was modeled after Piccadilly in London, and the St. George's Anglican Church. Christened Notre Dame in 1670 by the French, the church was destroyed four times before it adopted its present Georgian-style structure in 1869. Its graveyard, however, boasts stones dating back to the early 18th century.
Explore the traditional white-sand beaches on the southeast peninsula, or admire breathtaking views of verdant mountains, expansive sugar cane fields and exotic gardens from the interior.

In the past, Key West was the winter home of Ernest Hemingway, John James Audubon and President Truman. Today it is a stylish retreat for writers and artists.
Its atmosphere is reminiscent of the Caribbean, yet it is the southernmost town of the continental United States. Take a stroll along Duval Street, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, or explore its interesting art galleries and boutiques.

Sitting astride the great Mississippi River, rising ever so slightly from the first high ground above its mouth, the city of
New Orleans commands the river-borne bounty of the vast North American interior.
Both the Indian traders who originally occupied the area and the European explorers who came later quickly recognized its obvious commercial and strategic value. The invention of the cotton gin, the arrival of the steamboat and the rapid expansion of the United States combined to place New Orleans at the center of a regional economic boom.

All itineraries and times are subject to change. Click on ports for detailed information.

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